Carson City to Canada Quest Finisher Audrey “Glowstick” Payne Returns to Carson City

Carson City, NV — September 26, 2025

Carson City is preparing to welcome home one of its most inspiring adventurers. Audrey Payne—trail name Glowstick—will return on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trailhead to celebrate the completion of her 1,600-mile Carson City to Canada Quest, a journey that was also part of her full 2,600+ mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hike.

A Journey with Carson City Roots

Audrey’s connection to Carson City runs deep. Before even setting foot on the PCT in April, she joined us on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share her mindset, preparation, and excitement for the long adventure ahead.

In late June, after hiking northbound on the PCT, Audrey paused her journey at Echo Summit to travel into Carson City for the official Carson City to Canada Quest kickoff. From there, she set out again—this time on the Tahoe Rim Trail heading south—ensuring her Quest began at the Capitol steps before reconnecting to the PCT south of Desolation Wilderness. By taking this reroute, Audrey not only honored the Quest’s true spirit but also ensured that she would hike every mile of the PCT as part of her overall journey.

We also had the chance to sit down with Audrey and her brother over breakfast during that stop, giving us a personal glimpse of her determination and joy as she set out on the most challenging leg of the trail.

Following in Julianne’s Footsteps

Just weeks ago, Carson City celebrated Julianne, the first finisher of the Carson City to Canada Quest, in an emotional trailhead welcome. Audrey’s return marks the second and final completion of this ambitious campaign—and one that carried even more weight as she balanced both the Quest and the entire Pacific Crest Trail.

A Trail of Persistence and Spirit

By weaving Carson City into her northbound PCT journey, Audrey put the Capital to Tahoe Trail and the city’s growing trail culture on the national stage. Her decision to reroute through the Sierra Nevada’s iconic Desolation Wilderness and Tahoe Rim Trail wasn’t about convenience—it was about integrity. She wanted to finish what she started, on both the Quest and the PCT.

“Audrey’s choice to come back through Carson City and honor the Quest’s start point is what makes her journey so special,” said Visit Carson City. “She not only conquered the PCT but also gave the Capital to Tahoe Trail the recognition it deserves.”

Why It Matters

Audrey’s return is more than a finish line—it’s the culmination of a season-long story that has intertwined Carson City with the spirit of one of America’s most legendary trails. From the podcast mic in April to the Quest kickoff in June, and now to this final celebration in September, we’ve witnessed every chapter of her incredible adventure. Now, it’s time to celebrate the hiker who carried Carson City all the way to Canada.